Three prominent sports personalities have spoken to commend organisers of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards for providing a platform to reward and motivate excellence in sports administration and participation.
The commendations came as the countdown to this year’s ceremony reaches feverish pitch.
Former D’Tigers national men’s baseball team captain and National Basketball Association (NBA) of America star, Olumide Oyedeji, the President of HotSports Group, Taye Ige and the Chairman of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) Board, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, in separate reactions to the announcement of date and venue, said they are looking forward to event which has come add a unique vista and represents a paradigm shift in the annals of sporting awards in Nigeria.
Oyedeji said the Award remains one great event he looks forward to in Nigeria’s sporting calendar every year.
“Without mincing words, this is one award that represents the true reflection of how an award should be.
“From the packaging, the committee members and to the organization, I must laud my great friend Frank Ilaboya for the vision behind the award which keeps getting better each year.
“From the very year they started, you could see the direction they were going and that it wasn’t going to be business as usual. Great event I must say.”
Taye Ige, a recipient in the 3rd edition, spoke of his admiration for the award, noting that, “one thing I admire about the Sportsville Award is the credibility of the process and the creativity in the organization.
“This is one award that doesn’t come with invoice. I was once a recipient and I know. I am not surprised because those who are close to Frank Ilaboya know the stuff he’s made off. I am looking forward to this years ceremony with so much excitement,” declared Ige who runs one of the elite sports marketing firms in the country.
Hon Elegbeleye, who was the Sportsville’s Sports Personality of the year, 2024, spoke glowingly of the award concept, processes and execution.
“When I was informed of my award two years ago, I waited patiently to hear the usual request of financial assistance from the organizers, none came and I must say that is a complete departure from the norm.
“As for the concept, it’s novel as it doesn’t reward the present performers alone but also look back to honour those who have done well in the past,” the one time Director General of the National Sports Commission said.
This year’s edition, the 6th in the series, will be chaired by Dr. Larry Izamoje, the Chairman of Brila Fm Group,
